Propulsion Engineer, Stage Systems (Starship)

About the role

The Stage Responsible Engineer (Stage RE) develops the fluid systems required to enable higher-performance, highly manufacturable interplanetary vehicles. This role develops the design, operation, and performance of the stage propulsion systems on the Starship launch vehicle.

The stage propulsion systems include all propellant feed systems, propellant management systems, helium pressurization systems, pneumatic systems, autogenous pressurization systems, differential pressure measurement systems, engine ignition gas supply systems, environmental control systems, and attitude control systems integrated into each stage of the vehicle.

The Stage RE owns overall stage propulsion system performance for each vehicle and mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain top-level requirements, system design, operation, and performance of the associated components for the systems above
• Develop and maintain thermal/fluid models of the stage propulsion systems
• Generate and maintain stage control system timing, valve sequencing, and stage systems mission design; develop CONOPs from conception through flight software configuration, implementation, and execution
• Support production, test, and launch operations as needed across all SpaceX facilities
• Review and approve all stage system checkouts and non-conformance dispositions, and perform final vehicle inspections prior to shipment or test
• Generate and maintain all stage test plans; fully support all stage testing operations (including on-console operations); review stage test data; validate stage system performance; and provide final sign-off on system acceptance prior to shipment to the launch pad
• Review and approve stage systems launch procedures, final integration instructions, anomaly resolutions, and flight software
• Fully support all major launch operations, as directed by the launch director
• Review launch data, validate flight vehicle performance, and lead any stage-related flight anomaly resolutions and corrective actions

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering
• 1 year of mechanical or fluid system design experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another engineering field
• Strong first principles understanding of thermodynamics, incompressible flow, and compressible flow
• Proficient knowledge of statics and mechanics of materials
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail
• Experience working with pressurized fluid systems and components, such as pneumatic systems, cryogenic systems, pressure control devices, valves, diffusers, and fittings
• Experience testing rocket stage or engine propulsion systems
• Experience with integrated vehicle pad and launch operations
• Familiarity with common aerospace instrumentation (e.g. pressure transducers, RTDs)
• Familiarity with basic concepts of control systems
• Hands-on hardware experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing (can be professional, academic, entrepreneurial, or hobby setting)
• Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing, and highly technical environment - ability to act and execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial manner against tight timelines
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and ability to succinctly present recommendations to stakeholders, the customers, and management
• Working knowledge of Python and/or MATLAB
• Strong desire to mentor and develop direct reports

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Flexibility to travel to remote build sites

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.